Years ago, there was an ad on TV that suggested that a night at Rosalie’s in Marblehead was like a night in Milan.
While Rosie’s may be no more, it is still possible to find out-of-the-way gems that not only offer delicious family fare but, if given the opportunity, transformative and transporting experiences.
Tartufo Cucina Abruzzese in Newton Centre (www.tartuforestaurant.com) is one such place.
Despite the recent explosion of food options in the Downtown area- from the Mediterranean masterpieces at Bonapita and Verts to all the delicious options at Boston Public Market – one category has been notably absent. That is until now.
After 20 years of holding down the corporate lunch gig through their popular Viga, TX natives Edward and Shawn Wilson (who cleverly combined not only their Lone Star loves but their names to put this new place together) have opened Shed’s on Bromfield Street (www.shedsbbq.com).
As more and more companies pour into the 128 corridor in Waltham, the hospitality industry has being working overtime to handle the traffic. From new eateries like Whole House Group’s family-friendly Flank to suburban outposts of Bonefish Grill, Posto and Ruth’s Chris, the area is getting to be known for much more than a highway-side Market Basket. While the hotel scene also strives to keep pace, one rentable residence offers the best of both worlds, having tucked into its lower corner a hotel restaurant that is well worth a visit even if you do not intend to stay.
With its tap-laden bar and beer-inspired décor, Copper House Tavern (http://copperhousetavern.com) in the Best Western may appear at first like an after work bar. And it is that- with over 40 craft beers that are conveniently organized by type (e.g., IPA, Pilsner, Belgian-style, cider, etc.) and available in flights so guests can find new favorites all the time, as well as glasses and bottles of wine from near and far, entire menus of Bourbon, Whiskey, Scotch Tequila, Port, and Cognac, and craft cocktails that range from a signature Tito’s vodka-based Kicking Mule to a tantalizingly tasty cinnamon-spiced cranberry whiskey sour to seasonal selections and a handcrafted Sangria.
There are always new things starting up in Kendall Square. What was once more true of the biotech field is now also true of the food scene. As more and more major players like Akamai and Google pack into the “Third Square” neighborhood, more and more places are popping up to please them.
One of the newest places to start is Catalyst Café (www.catalystcafecambridge.com). As its name implies, the Cafe intended to help people get things started in the morning or to replenish their creative stores at lunch. The name also reveals that it is related to Catalyst, the popular nearby home of brilliant chef William Kovel.
After being buffeted by rave reviews for years as the chef at Harvest and other top-flight eateries across the country (including many in CA), long-time Medfield resident Josh Foley has come home to spruce up a booming food scene in this ever-more-snazzy suburb.
The Boston area has long been known for starting revolutions. Form the American to the microbrewery, we have strong claim to the role of originator and best in show.
From Boston Beer Works to Harpoon and Jack’s Abby to Night Shift, the Boston area is literally drunk with great places for a pint and a bite. While it may be a bit off the titular trail, Battle Road Brewing Company in Maynard (www.battleroadbeer.com) is quickly laying claim to the pride of the pack.
After bringing new ideas to new venues through a series of popular pop-up eateries, the dynamic duo behind the Whisk Pop-Up Team (i.e., Zagat 30 Under 30 honorees Phillip Kruta and Jeremy Kean) have finally found a place to call home (at least for the time being).
As locals say goodbye to the Circle Cinema and continue to take selfies in front of Station Zero for the Chipotle debacle, it is clear that changes are afoot in Cleveland Circle. Fortunately, one of the most recent has been the addition of Jade Monkey (www.jademonkeyboston.com) to the menu.
At five I went to Nutcracker
I saw it at the Wang
It is now at the Opera House
I hear it’s pretty
For many years, the holiday season in Boston has meant one thing- Getting the family gussied up and trucking into Boston to see the amazing Boston Ballet version of The Nutcrracker.
And while we at Matt’s Meals have nothing against Mikko Nissinen and his talented troupe (Full disclosure, one of our parents is on the Board), we would like to suggest an alternative- at least for 2016.
Just down the road (Storrow Drive, that is) in Watertown is the ever-evolving (and improving) commercial area that centers on the historic Arsenal. In addition to shopping dining, and the original scoreboard from the Boston Garden, visitors to this soon-to-be-even-better space can also enjoy one of the best theatre companies in the area- the New Repertory Theatre (www.newrep.org).*
Having presented some of the world’s best actors and productions for over 40 years to the area in a list of shows that includes over 70 local, regional, and world premieres, the New Rep has finally found the opportunity and a sparkling cast to mount the ever-provocative and perhaps ever-more-poignant “Fiddler on the Roof,” starring such rising stars as Abby Goldfarb, Alyssa Rae Surette, and Patrick Varner, as well as local legends like Bobbie Steinbach (who will return as Golda Meir from March 25-April 16, 2017) Amelia Broome, and Jeremiah Kissel as Tevye.
While the story by Sholom Aleichem centers on a milkman, regular readers may ask why this sustaining show is being feted in a food-related publication.
The answer has to do with what we are suggesting become another tradition for holiday time or any time- Strip T’s (http://stripts.com).
The Framingham line on the Commuter Rail can be a long slog, especially in the winter!
That is why it is so comforting and encouraging to know that there is a place like the Deluxe Depot Diner (www.deluxedinerbrands.com/deluxe-depot-diner/) at the end of the trail.